Equality & Diversity Guidance and Information

To ensure equality of opportunity and promote diversity in all aspects of service delivery and employment

To take due diligence of the Equality Act 2010 not to unlawfully discriminate protected characteristics

To consult with and be responsive to our partners and the community we work within and recognise that their needs will be diverse

To create a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued

Prostart is committed to promoting equality for everyone in an environment in which diversity of background and experiences is valued. We believe in the right of everyone to be treated with respect and dignity. We do not tolerate any unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation or any other unsuitable conduct.

Within this section you will find information regarding legislation, rights and responsibilities together with interesting facts, news, links to other websites and general information.

If you have any interesting stories or updated news please contact us and we will update the web page or include in our newsletter.

Prostart set Equality Diversity Impact Measures (EDIMs) annually based on the demographics of the areas we work in.

Progress against these targets is reviewed monthly and an annual evaluation is completed which informs the targets for the following year.

A breakdown of the data and actions are transferred to the Quality Improvement Plan which is reviewed and updated quarterly.

Rights and Responsibilities

The rights and responsibilities you have today come from a number of sources – through Acts of Parliament and law made by judges, and some from European law. Together they form the British Constitution.

It is against the law to treat someone unfairly because of who they are the key pieces of legislation which cover this:

The Equality Act became law in October 2010 and harmonises and replaces previous legislation. The Equality Act covers the same groups that were protected by existing equality legislation – age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity. These are now called protected characteristics. The ACAS guide – Equality Act – what’s new for employers covers this and the changes and the Equality & Human Rights Commission have good online guidance. At Prostart we aim to create an atmosphere so that everyone regardless of whether they share a protected characteristic or not have the same opportunities for learning.

At Prostart we do not tolerate any form of bullying or harassment – it is a form of discrimination and is illegal.

Bullying and harassment means any unwanted behaviour that makes someone feel intimidated or degraded or humiliated or offended. It is not necessarily always obvious or apparent to others, so it can happen in the workplace without an employer’s awareness.

Bullying or harassment can be between two individuals or it may involve groups of people. It might be obvious or it might be insidious. It is related to age, sex, race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion, belief or sexual orientation and may be persistent or an isolated incident. It can also occur in written communications, by phone, email not just face-to-face actions.

Workers are sometimes harassed by third parties, such as customers or clients. Your employer should where possible protect you from such harassment and take reasonable steps to deal with any situations like this.

There is advice and support available to help you – follow the links below for specific information on these issues:

Direct.gov – give information regarding lots of different issues including employment, money and tax, education and training as well as your rights and responsibilities.

You may require access to extra support or resources to help with your qualification, learning or for personal research. Prostart has many publications within the Resource Library which can be accessed during working hours or requests can be made to a member of staff.

There are overlays and rulers available in a variety of colours and remember most computers can be adjusted by going into the control panel and locating the ease of access section. Prostart work with:

The Dyslexia Association – who offer information and advice, screening, assessment, one to one tuition and other courses to people with dyslexia, their families, employers and educators.

National Autistic Society – who champion the rights and interests of all people with autism and aim to provide individuals with autism and their families with help, support and services that they can access.